8. thank you notes in the digital age

In this day and age of all things digital - this wedding lover is seeking to figure out what is now acceptable in terms of sending out a thank you note from your wedding.

The traditional way would always be to send out the nice and thoughtful hand-written thank you note in the acceptable time frame (I say 3-6 months) but it seems that here in 2010 where I barely know anyone who doesn't have some type of smart phone...I really don't see the harm in bringing the thank you note into the 21st century.

Maybe I am over stepping it and we are still a world who appreciates the old-school thank you note...maybe, just maybe I have stumbled onto the new and upcoming thing and weddings.

Got something to say about this? Shoot me an email - I'd love to hear it!

7. unique touches

Everyone always wants their wedding to be unique in their own special way, but in this day and age where almost everything is shared on the Internet and through all the wedding magazines - how can you make something truly your own? Here are a few small ideas where each bride can actually turn this in their own thing because of all the different options you have!

• If you don't like being the blushing bride in white...try a dress of a different color! I know it's not the norm, but if you want it - then you do it! (Before I Do column topic coming!)
• Check out this web site of "Fantasy Wedding Dresses" - my personal favorite? The black wedding dresses like this one

• Stock the bathrooms for the guests with baskets filled with various "in case you forgot..." items. Sounds strange, but the truth is people are forgetful - stocking a basket in each bathroom will give people a nice option if they forget hairspray, need some perfume or some gum for fresh breath! Some couples also provide flip flops (in the wedding colors of course) in case you want to kick off your heels!
• Skip tangible favors, because how many have you honestly used? In lieu of a shot glass, tablespoons of love or food favors - pick a charity of your choice and make a donation in the guests honor. If you had a family member who has heart disease you can choose the American Heart Association or if you are an animal lover, the ASPCA is always accepting donations. Check out these other awesome-worthy place you can donate to:
•  Museum of Tolerance
• American Cancer Society 
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving
• Stand Up To Cancer
• Or check out the top-rated charities from the American Institute of Philanthropy
• Not religious? Ask a close friend or family member to get ordained from the Universal Life Church. You can build the ceremony together and make it truly yours.
• Please be sure to check your state laws for the rules and regulations concerning this type of ordination. 
• Create custom postage. Do you love a photo of you and your fiance? Or want a fun way to share your engagement photos? Create a fabulous stamp for save-the-dates, invitations and the return envelope for the RSVP card.

Want to know more? Send me an email, I have dozens.

6. Our Finalized Holiday Card

Stylish Snowflakes Black Christmas Card

Shop Shutterfly.com for elegant Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

5. Shutterfly and the power of online photo shops

So people, I know how hard it can be to find a reliable online to print photo books, thank you's and various invitations - but I feel lucky to have realized how EASY to it is to use Shutterfly for what I needed.

I used Shutterfly to create my fabulous honeymoon album this past year and while I finally just putting the finishing touches on it - I look forward to receiving it just in time for the holidays to share (and show my family photos of Hawaii while it's 40 degrees out).


I was so happy with the way the wedding album turned out, we opted to do our very FIRST holiday card as husband and wife! It was even easier than I imagined - we had the photos already loaded into an album so it was just a matter of picking which one we liked best and then figuring our if my name or Jason's went first - yes, that was our biggest issue!

We are placing the order this week and plan to send them out to our family and friends and Shutterfly made it really easy to do, I actually did it while I wrote this post!

Check out the holiday card!

Also, since I mentioned it - here are two snap shots from our honeymoon album made via the Shutterfly photo book option!

This is the cover page!              This is a snap shot of a two-page spread!

And for all your wedding needs check out these links...

• Wedding Stationary & Cards
• Various Invitations < to use for Bridal Shower, Bachelor/Bachelorette parties and rehearsal dinners
• Thank You Cards
• Announcements < for Save the Dates

4. dance it out

Choosing the music at your wedding is a very important, but I must admit, it's a time consuming project.

You have a lot to factor in - and a lot of specific dances to decide on...


- Husband and Wife first dance

This was part of our entrance!

Photos by: Lewis Rinaman Photography

Our first dance: You & Me by Lifehouse

Photos by: Lewis Rinaman Photography 

- Mother and Son

Forever Young by Rod Stewart

 Photos by: Lewis Rinaman Photography 

- Father and Daughter

Sara's Smile by Hall & Oats

 Photos by: Lewis Rinaman Photography

We are lucky in this day and age of Internet, finding all the right music is right at our fingertips. I can understand how a couple would want to find that special song for their first dance, but the truth is - they can find that in their history together as a couple.

At all the weddings I've been to, what I have personally taken away from it, is that I love when the first dance of husband and wife actually MEANS something to them and not just "I honestly love you" by Olivia Newton-John nothing personal against the song, but if you've seen the movie "The Wedding Planner" when Mary goes on a tangent “Are you aware that Fran has chosen teal for her bridesmaids? Teal, the color of gangrene. … Oh, oh, and I Honestly Love You as your wedding song? You might as well commit matrimonial suicide right now!” you know what I am talking about.

The first dance is the first official thing as husband and wife - it should be something to treasure with a song that has some meaning behind it. Even if you don't have a "song" for you as a couple, it helps to divulge back into your history as a couple and figure it out.

I remember the first time I heard "You & Me" by Lifehouse - I was working at a bar in South Philly and the bartender grabbed me and was like "Listen to this song!" And I've never forgotten it - to do this day, I get goosebumps when I hear it. It was a no-brainer for us.

But if you are having issues I can offer you this - take a couple days, go through old songs, photos and concert tickets for as long as you have been together. Hopefully you will find some inspiration and will able to find a song that does have some meaning to it.

If not, the DJ we used at our wedding (see my Vendor Love) has some great links on their web site. Feel free to check it out, they have a massive list of wedding songs. 

PS - if you are looking an amazing new song look no further than the new Michael Jackson & Akon song.
  Here are a few lines...
So if you just hold my hand
Baby I promise that I’ll do all I can
Things will get better if you just hold my hand
Nothing can come in between us if you just hold my hand

3b. Column Teaser

Over the past few weeks, I've been working on my next column for Haley Madison Mag. It will be all about open bars, limited bars, cash and dry bars. I've talked to brides, grooms and anyone who has EVER attended a wedding.

I must admit - I'm pretty proud of it, because I found people on both sides and learned a little more about myself and what I "expect" as a guest and what I expect of myself as a host. It should post sometime in the next week or two so STAY TUNED :)

And of course...if you have an opinion on this I would LOVE it hear it, especially if you did a dry wedding or a cash bar.

Here is just a sneak peak at what some of my brides/grooms had to say...

3a. Fabulous Find

While I may not be a "brooch" person myself - when my friend Jenn told me about this web site I couldn't resist the urge to pass it on.

If you like brooches in general - or you are looking for some classic pieces for your wedding, do yourself a favor at check out Fabulous Brooch. The site is an online fashion store that sells brooches at wholesale price - which is definitely ideal if you wanted to get say, matching brooch's for your bridesmaids and mother/grandmothers/aunts who are all involved.

Check out some of my favorites! If you cannot make out the prices and are interested in finding out more about these specific pieces, go to Fabulous Brooch's web site and then click Wedding Brooches/Bridesmaid Brooches

3. congrats!

Yesterday I shouted out the royal family, today I have some friends I'd like to shine a light on! Over the past week I have had two friends tie the knot and two friends get engaged so I am very excited for them and wanted to show them a little love.

Here's wishing all four couples the best of luck!

Meg & Dave- Just engaged over the weekend! Congrats to them! What a fabulous couple <3

Yoel & Dara tied the knot on Sunday! Mazel Tov!

Kristen (my little "sister") & Dan -Engaged last week while on vacation. So excited!

Katy & Gary - Just married this past Saturday in New York. Talk about a DIY bride...So excited for them!

2a. Royal Engagement

I figured I could not let the day pass without mentioning Prince William's engagement and I must say...I am jealous.

Kate Middleton's ring is not only gorgeous - it's significant. It's the same engagement ring his father, Prince Charles, used to propose to the late Princess Diana. It is a beautiful 18-carat oval sapphire surrounded by diamonds (Source: Yahoo! Article)

Check out this RING. Photos via AP Press via Yahoo! Slideshow

2. honesty

 I thought a lot today about the message I wanted to convey using this outlet and the truth is - I want every bride, groom, bridesmaid and wedding enthusiasts to know that honesty throughout the planning of a wedding is essential.

I've heard stories from brides and people involved always say "ugh, I wish I hadn't let the people talk me into that" and the truth is you should remember that each and every step of the way.  There will be times where you have to compromise but you should always stick to what you truly want out the this day - and frankly, this experience.

I have realized over the past few months that I seem to have a knack for helping people out with different situations for weddings. So alas, I am here for your service.

Something Pretty...my beautiful nieces at my wedding!

Photography by Lewis Rinaman Photography (check out link on my vendors page)

Also, I will definitely share my wedding throughout this blog so if you want to see more photos just ask! My colors were hot pink (to be more definitive, Watermelon) and black. Bridesmaids (photos to come) & Jr. Bridesmaids dresses are from David's Bridal.

1.

I love weddings - there is really no other way to describe and I LOVE my column and I needed a daily outlet for my wedding thoughts, ideas...and anything else that pops into my brain.

Got wedding questions? Check out the "Ask Me" page and I will definitely try and help you out!